Physical Therapy is More Than You Think

When people hear the word ‘physical therapy’ they immediately think of therapy rehab for people who are injured or disabled from illness.  While this is very true about physical therapy, are you aware that a physical therapist can be tremendously beneficial to your health and well-being?

Physical therapy is indeed part of a rehabilitation plan for recovery from injuries and disabilities however it may surprise people to know that this is only one piece to the puzzle. The changing needs of our society and advancements in health awareness have made physical therapy professionals rethink their role and how they can benefit the health and wellness of their patients.

Recent studies have shown that most people really have no clue what a physical therapist does other than treat injuries and disabilities.  Another group feels that the rehab therapy that physical therapists provide is solely for the elderly.  A smaller percentage believes that a physical therapist is the same as a chiropractor which of course is not the case.

The reality is that physical therapists are highly educated and licensed professionals who help people recover from injury or disability and prevent future injuries BUT… they also take a genuine interest in the health and wellness of their patients, and not just the ones that are referred to them.

Did you know that in addition to having an annual checkup with your physician that you should also schedule an annual checkup with your physical therapist? It’s true and a lot of people are consulting with a physical therapist regarding their health concerns.  Why?  Because a physical therapist will do a complete evaluation of the overall status of a patient’s health and then design a health and wellness program that is personalized to the patient’s individual needs.

A physical therapist takes a holistic approach to health and wellness where a physician will prescribe medications.  If the physical therapist discovers a health condition that requires the attention of a physician they will refer the patient to one and vice versa. So the patient gets a personalized health and wellness program to last for the entire year under the regular guidance of a physical therapist.  If there are health changes during the course of the year the physical therapist is readily available to adjust the health and wellness program to meet the new developments in the patient’s health.  How great is that?

Individuals who have specific health concerns such as the desire to lose weight or simply get back into shape a physical therapist is licensed to help with these needs and can design a comprehensive fitness and nutrition program which is aligned with the overall health evaluation.  This makes the program a lot more effective because it is designed specifically for the patient instead of settling for a ‘one size fits all’ program that may or may not work.  Patients are assured of achieving great health while preventing future injuries and health problems that require more expensive treatment.  It also increases the chances of living a longer and higher quality of life.  And who said there was no such thing as a designer health and wellness program?

About Carol Lane:

Carol Lane has been a health-and-wellness expert for over 18 years.

Lane served as a physical therapist in the Army for four years, ensuring the men and women fighting for our freedom remained fit and well. Lane has also spent seven years working in various rehab facilities and home health agencies helping children and adults take care of themselves.  

In 1998, Lane established her own practice, Results Physical Therapy. Results initially specialized in older adult exercise programs and manual therapy, and then expanded to preventive care for adults of all ages, which allows patients to handle problems before they become serious as well as maintaining the health they have.  In 2006, she expanded her practice to the Greater Bangor and Dexter areas in Maine.

Lane has a B.S. in physical therapy from Daemen College, and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and a minor in healthcare administration from San Marcos State University.  Her patients say they like the opportunity to take better care of themselves in a friendly, enjoyable environment which she and her team strive to achieve on a continual basis.  Visit http://www.resultsphysicaltherapy.org